Husband jailed for life over frenzied murder of wife

Brazilian national Jaici Alfenas Rocha who has been jailed for life at Bristol Crown Court after he brutally murdered his wife in a frenzied knife attack. Photo credit: Avon and Somerset Police /PA Wire

"In my judgment Mr Rocha had some minor mental disorder and putting that together with his jealousy he purchased that knife."

The judge said he was sure Rocha bought the knife intending to threaten either his wife or her suspected lover and said the murder was not premeditated.

"The frenzied nature of the attack and the targeting of the face, neck and heart, and 27 wounds were inflicted, are matters that must be reflected in the sentence," he said.

"There is some evidence of mental disorder and having some minor role in the commission of the offence.

"In my judgment the mitigating and aggravating factors balance each other out."

Speaking after the case, Detective Chief Inspector Gary Haskins, who led the inquiry, said: "Karina had only been in Bristol for a year having moved with Rocha to make a better life for herself and to be closer to her family.

"Tragically, her partner's unfounded jealousy meant her chance to enjoy this new chapter of her life was ended in the most horrific way possible.

"Hopefully her family can finally get a sense of closure now that justice has been served."